UNSQUASHABLE partner with Barcelona Global Squash (BGS) Europe’s Leading Squash Academy

December 15 2016

UNSQUASHABLE is delighted to announce a long-term agreement with Barcelona Global Squash which formalises a relationship between one of Europe’s leading squash academies & the iconic squash brand.

The pioneering partnership will see UNSQUASHABLE & Barcelona Global Squash work closely together to expand their respective reach & influence throughout Europe, underpinning UNSQUASHABLE’s ambitious plans for expansion & long-term sustainable growth.

“I’m delighted to welcome Barcelona Global Squash as an UNSQUASHABLE Official Partner,” announced Jahangir Khan, the record 10-time British Open Champion who earlier in the year confirmed his own involvement with the brand which he used throughout his record-breaking career.

“UNSQUASHABLE rackets were fundamental to my success & relationships with partners such as Barcelona Global Squash will be key to our future strategy of developing & promoting the best possible equipment. Barcelona Global Squash have quickly shown themselves to be not only ambitious but very progressive in their approach which we believe is a good fit with our own aspirations, particularly at such an exciting time for our respective organisations,” added the former World No.1 who was unbeaten in 555 consecutive matches over 5 years & 8 months – the longest winning streak of any sportsman.

Based in the best & most prestigious sports clubs in Barcelona, one of the world’s most attractive cities synonymous with global sport, Barcelona Global Squash was founded by Spain’s leading coach Victor Montserrat & embraces the idea of collaboration by reaching out to the global squash community to develop & promote the sport.

Alongside the Barcelona Global Squash Academy which oversees the emergence of leading Spanish players Iker Pajares, Bernat Jaume & Edmon Lopez, Barcelona Global Squash Summer Camps offer players of all standards a unique international experience by combining world class coaching & fitness training with language, academia & SAT (American college entrance exams).

Barcelona Global Squash (BGS) Head Coach Victor Montserrat, said: “UNSQUASHABLE was born, as the name suggests, to focus exclusively on producing the best possible squash equipment & Barcelona Global Squash are proud to be working with the brand as part of a genuine partnership which we hope will support our individual as well as collective goals. We are looking forward to working with UNSQUASHABLE to develop their range of performance products as well as promoting the brand in Spain & throughout Europe.”

“We are particularly excited to be the first Official Academy Partner at this exciting time for the brand,” added the Spanish Champion who used UNSQUASHABLE rackets to win his maiden Spanish National title in 1997 & continued as Spain’s No.1 ranked player for six consecutive years.

Inspired by Jahangir Khan, UNSQUASHABLE is committed to developing equipment that is used by the world’s leading players because UNSQUASHABLE believe that engineering equipment for professional competition makes for a better product for the everyday player.

Barcelona Global Squash ‘Balanced & Simply Inspiring’

Barcelona Global Squash (BGS): Europe’s Leading Squash Academy
Barcelona Global Squash continues to grow from strength to strength & is increasingly recognised as one of Europe’s most attractive training destinations for young players wishing to make the transition onto the Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour or young professionals already competing on the international circuit who are looking for a professional framework to move their game forward.

The Barcelona Global Squash (BGS) Performance Academy, directed by Head Coach Victor Montserrat & Fitness, Strength & Conditioning Coach Bet Consegal, works with an expanding international portfolio of young aspiring players from Spain, Argentina, Holland, Pakistan, Sweden, Norway, India, Italy, Switzerland & the UK.

World class tuition & instruction is delivered by Victor Montserrat whose unique, hands-on style of coaching is central to the increasing popularity of BGS as the favoured destination for may emerging young players. Victor has a wealth of playing & coaching experience having been Spain’s No.1 player for six consecutive years & making over 200 appearances for Spanish national representative teams at World & European Team Championships, alongside coaching amateur & professional players for more than 22 years.

Victor started playing in 1979 as a six-year-old when his father took him to play squash for the first time & since those early days, his life has been centred around squash. His time competing on the PSA World Tour was combined with his passion for coaching having been mentored & inspired during his own development by coaching legend Neil Harvey.

Influenced by Neil Harvey as well as other highly qualified trainers & coaches during his own career, Victor is passionate about ‘teaching’ squash & developing his own practical, effective & unique methodology to help players to quickly improve their game. Through BGS, Victor is currently training & coaching some of the youngest most promising players on the international circuit. Most noteworthy is the recent & historical success of the Spanish national team whose bronze winning team at the recent European Team Championships included three players who are currently training at the BGS Performance Academy under Victor’s guidance.

As a backdrop to BGS & its different activities is the colourful & dynamic city of Barcelona. In addition to the guarantees that BGS offer in terms of athletic development, the wonderful & dynamic city of Barcelona itself is integral to BGS’s attractive offering. Enjoying one of the best climates in all of Europe, with one of the most optimal number of hours of winter daylight & an average day time temperature of 22ºC, the city offers young aspiring professionals a place that provides the comforts of home, a cutting edge international cuisine, & a city that embraces a high quality & modern lifestyle, all at competitive prices.

Overall, Barcelona Global Squash offers a unique squash experience in a unique, highly attractive & one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan cities.

Barcelona Global Squash (BGS), comprising the BGS Performance Academy, one of Europe’s most progressive squash academies, continues to grow & increase its footprint within the international squash community.

An active partner of the College Squash Association (CSA) offering American high schools & colleges solutions for both teams & individuals alike, BGS is conscious of the growth of squash in the US especially in the North East & West Coast Bay areas & is aware of the continually growing international recruitment programs & of the ever-increasing competitive level of squash in American colleges.

The combination of Barcelona & BGS is one of relatively few international study abroad destinations for American varsity squash students that offers both an attractive, cosmopolitan & progressive city destination rich in academics, cultural, sport & social activism along with a professional centre offering the very best in world class athletic squash training.

Programs run by many of America’s top IVY League colleges offer a full-immersion learning experience in one of the leading cities of the world. Students are immersed in the local university environment & take most of their courses at one of the partner universities such as the Universität de Barcelona (UB), the Universität Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) & Spain’s No.11 university the Universität Pompeu Fabra (UPF). BGS currently has two IVY League varsity team players training intensively while studying neuroscience during their 5-month study abroad program.

Other activities include a new collaboration specialising in helping international squash athletes obtain sports scholarships for the American Colleges. At the World Junior Squash Championships in 2017 held in Tauranga, New Zealand, seven coaches from American colleges were there scouting for six specific players, but with others still able to impress. Big money is at play with a scholarship to Drexel for example worth US$70,000 a year covering tuition fees, food, accommodation, books & medical insurance. Squash scholarships are now on offer from a limited but growing number of colleges. International late juniors that need to decide between becoming professionals & joining the Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour or continuing their athletic & squash development & education within the college system, can now train at BGS.

Individuals can prepare for both with BGS being responsible for the squash/sports development of the students, the opportunity to improve their game & the job of increasing their chances of a more attractive scholarship. BGS is one of very few options available for top late junior players to take their game forward either into the professional world or prepare for American College Squash, offering opportunities to train in a professional environment & with established & emerging professionals.

Aware of the “squash boom” at junior & college levels in the US, Barcelona Global Squash is working hard to increase the traffic of squash players to & from the USA, taking advantage of the ever-increasing number of American students studying abroad & the ever-increasing talent, skill & attractive competitive level of college squash in the USA.

Barcelona Global Squash (BGS) was established in 2015 by Head Coach Victor Montserrat & is run out of Barcelona’s most prestigious sports & wellness centres Club Metropolitan (associated with previous additions of the PSA Ciutat de Barcelona) & Club Arsenal.is widely acknowledged as one of Europe`s most progressive squash academies.

Victor Montserrat, a former international player, 1997 Spanish Open Champion & Spanish No.1 for six consecutive years has a vision: “to offer world class coaching, in the best facilities, in a wonderful modern location, all within a player-centred framework, where pursuit of high performance in squash can live side by side with academics, wellness, participation for all, & sustained sports activity”.

Located in the centre of Barcelona, one of Europe’s most dynamic, smart & colourful cities as well as being an international landmark for global sport, Barcelona Global Squash is helping revitalise Spanish squash & aims to become a reference for European high performance within the sport.

Barcelona was the city that changed the course of the Olympics & is the European city with the most practitioners of sport, offering expertise, sports science & training facilities second to none located within one of Europe’s most attractive destinations.

Barcelona Global Squash comprises the BGS Performance Academy where a new generation of Spanish talent is being developed. Amongst its leading players who include all those making up the Spanish junior team that came third in the 2014 World Junior Championships in Namibia, Victor Montserrat is coaching & nurturing the talents of Iker Pajares & Edmon Lopez, two of the youngest players ranked in the world’s top 120. The BGS Performance Academy is aimed at maturing juniors who wish to make the transition to the Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour.

In addition to its Performance Academy, Barcelona Global Squash also runs International Elite Junior Summer Camps which offer intensive in-depth training for advanced high-performance juniors who are already training & competing in their own native countries at national or international level. Optional activities include academia (language, SAT preparation for the American Universities) & the many attractive cultural & leisure activities that Barcelona as a city offers.

Furthermore, Barcelona Global Squash also offers weekend clinics to club & amateur players interested in receiving top class tuition in combination with the best of the Mediterranean’s gastronomy. Similar clinics are also organised in other clubs in & around Spain. To cap the list of services, personalised programs are also offered to professionals & amateurs alike looking for customised training programs to improve their game.

“Barcelona Global Squash aims to offer world class coaching, in the best facilities, in a wonderful modern location, all within a player-centred framework, where pursuit of high performance in squash can live side by side with academics, wellness, participation for all, & sustained sports activity”

Barcelona Global Squash (BGS) is run by Head Coach Victor Montserrat & is located in the centre of Barcelona, only a short walk from the legendary FCB Stadium Camp Nou.

Comprising one of Europe’s most progressive squash academies, Barcelona Global Squash (BGS) strives to bring the very best in tuition & instruction to both amateurs & professional players alike, to both individuals & to groups, & to provide young aspiring professional players with a platform & base from which they can successfully transition onto the Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour.

Through its partnership with UNSQUASHABLE, the iconic brand used by Jahangir Khan throughout his record-breaking career, the BGS Academy offers a framework within which young international talent can access the highest quality tuition & instruction backed up by a 365-day support across all areas of their development from competition through to physical conditioning & sports psychology.

Comprises an extensive portfolio of players from the UK, Canada, USA, Sweden, Argentina, Columbia, Holland, India & Pakistan alongside some of Spain’s most exciting young talent, the BGS Academy is housed within Club Metropolitan, one of Barcelona’s top-class Sports & Wellness Centres, in the heart of the city that offers one of the highest levels of quality lifestyle within Europe.

Alongside its BGS Academy, Barcelona Global Squash also reaches out to a wide variety of competitors, including amateur club & team players, elite juniors across all age categories from U11, university players undertaking study abroad programs in Barcelona, as well as preparatory & secondary school teams looking for international enrichment & intensive team training programs.

BGS offers school & university teams perfect turnkey solutions for effective team training; a highly attractive destination combined with top quality coaching - taking the historical school & college team trip bonding exercise to a new level with world class tuition & training in the hands of Spain’s leading coach & team, PSA top 100 players, combined with the delights of one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan cities.

These services go hand-in-hand with the new & more demanding needs & requirements of both university & school squash as they all move forward into a new era with changed management structures & higher levels of investment & commitment to the sport, pushing the level of school & university squash beyond its historical boundaries.

BGS team trip programs offer on-court intensive, technical & tactical work, off-court physical, strength & conditioning work with a strong focus on injury prevention & emphasis on novel warm up & cool down protocols, as well as drill & match play opportunities with its elite academy players.

Team trip programs can be organised throughout the year including over the Christmas period which for many schools & colleges is a strategic period in the lead-up to national team championships in early spring. Recent teams to have signed up for this particular service include three-time US High School Team Champions Brunswick Boys School, winner of sixteen New England Championships & three US High School Team titles.

Other times of the year including half-term breaks in spring & late summer are also options for intensive team training programs.

Overall, Barcelona Global Squash offers an attractive range of services designed to provide a unique squash experience that everyone will want to repeat.

Barcelona Global Squash (BGS) was established in December 2015 by Head Coach Victor Montserrat & comprises what is now considered one of Europe’s most progressive squash academies.

The principle aim of the Barcelona Global Squash Performance Academy is to provide invaluable preparation & support to promising high performance players who aspire to play or are already competing on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour.

Alongside its Performance Academy, Barcelona Global Squash also reaches-out to a wide variety of players, including amateur club & team players, junior elite players from U11 to U18 age categories, college players undertaking study abroad programs in Barcelona, & college, middle & high school teams looking for international enrichment & intensive training programs.

In the case of amateur club & team players from the UK, Barcelona Global Squash offers an attractive weekend break program combining world class coaching & fitness with fine dining & the enjoyment of one of Europe’s most dynamic & attractive cities.

Barcelona continues to lead the way in cutting-edge, international cuisine & for those looking to enjoy their favourite sport in a new & attractive environment set against the backdrop of a warm & alluring climate, this weekend makes for an unforgettable experience.

Starting early Friday evening, sessions run through until to Sunday midday. Barcelona Global Squash Head Coach & leading UNSQUASHABLE coaching ambassador Victor Montserrat will introduce attendees to his unique, hands-on style of coaching that will guarantee the best available tuition & instruction. Victor has a wealth of playing & coaching experience having been Spain’s No.1 player for consecutive years & Spanish Open Champion in 1976 under the guidance of Neil Harvey.

Barcelona Global Squash Weekend Clinics are aimed & designed to improve a player’s level by imparting a greater knowledge of technique & tactics & understanding of the ‘how’, ‘when’, ‘where’ & ‘why’ of the “4 key shots” of squash.

Supported by Fitness, Strength & Conditioning Coach Bet Consegal, players will also be introduced to the latest warm-up & cool down protocols aimed at ultimately avoiding injuries.

When all is finished, attendees will be able to chill-out in the Club Metropolitan’s welcoming & luxurious surroundings. Associated with previous additions of the PSA Ciutat de Barcelona, this prestigious & luxurious sports & wellness centre will immediately make everyone feel at home, with access to a wide range of facilities, including indoor swimming pool with retractable roof, fully equipped multi-station gymnasium, Cross-Fit, spa & beauty area, physiotherapy treatments & much more.

Overall, Barcelona Global Squash Weekend Clinics promise to offer a unique squash experience that everyone will want to repeat.

Barcelona Global Squash (BGS), run out of the city’s most prestigious sports & wellness centres Club Metropolitan & Club Arsenal, was established in 2015 by Head Coach Victor Montserrat & includes a Performance Academy widely recognised as one of the most progressive in Europe.

The principle aim of the Barcelona Global Squash (BGS) Performance Academy is to provide integral preparation for bright & promising players who aspire to play on or are already competing on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour & are looking to achieve their personal optimum athletic skill development.

Led by Víctor Montserrat, a former international player, 1997 Spanish Open Champion & Spanish No.1 for six consecutive years, the BGS Performance Academy aims to provide an unrivalled academic & sport package, offering players a full management package through the unique BGS Coaching System.

The highest levels of coaching & physical training are aimed at young players wishing to make the transition onto the PSA World Tour; professionals already competing on the international circuit who are looking for a framework & roadmap to break into the world’s top 100; through to professionals interested in working on a specific aspect of their game or who are simply looking to experience an invigorating new training program within a new & fresh environment.

Alongside an exciting new generation of Spanish talent, led for Iker Pajares Bernabeu, winner of five PSA World Tour events in past twelve months, the BGS Performance Academy includes an impressive roster of young promising international players. Current BGS Performance Academy players include:
Iker Pajares Bernabeu (Spain) World No.161
Edmon Lopez (Spain) World No.114
Bernat Jaume (Spain) World No.144
Sandeep Ramanchandran (India) World No.153
Alex Noakes (England) World No.158
Dani Pascual (Spain) World No.267
Tim Lasusa (USA) World No.280
Tess Jutte (Holland) World No.312
Viktor Hogberg (Sweden) World No.341
Nilo Vidal (Spain) World No.347

In addition to its Performance Academy, Barcelona Global Squash organises international junior elite summer camps, personalised programs for professionals & amateurs alike, & weekend clinics & team training for amateur & club players.